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Did you map your way to the path of totality of the eclipse this summer? Did you plan a special event, a meditation, perhaps on this unique first total solar eclipse that traversed America in 99 years? Are you in awe of interstellar happenings, looking to the heavens instead of downward at your daily steps, nose to the daily grindstone, your back hunched into your device, ruled by apps and emails?

Maybe it is time to look up more often, to be mindful of our place in the universe as nature takes its course.

Have you ever wondered why you ended up at a particular place you had not planned on? You could call it serendipity or “sattuma” in Finnish.

I personally was reminded that it was exactly 30 years to the date of the eclipse: the year was 1987, the date: August 17—the date of the “Harmonic Convergence”. That was the date that I learned later all the planets were supposedly aligned. That date my life took a dramatic turn that would last the next almost 30 years That magic date when all the planets were aligned and in a strange unavoidable force brought me to the place of a joyous path where oddly and unexpectedly the great love of my life would appear.

the year was 1987, the date: August 17—the date of the “Harmonic Convergence”.

Serendipity and “sattuma”– every day is full of wonder and unexpected surprises. The control freaks can try plan all you like to make things the way you want them, but a greater power may have other plans.

OK, truth be told in my personal situation, the friendship took 2-3 years before it turned to that OMG love. Those years took to reveal the character, integrity, intelligence, loving spirit, honor and work ethic of a man who would also become a hero to me and my children and entire family for the next 30 years.

Many of you who know I lost the precious “wind beneath my wings” this year. Our 30 year circle of life together was a blessing in every way on this cosmic anniversary. Like they say life is what happens to you after you have made other plans! So true, thank God!

If you have not already, dear reader, may you find your soulmate-hero on your joyous cosmic path!*

*(more happy endings in Finnish Happenings)

Is Mother Nature trying to tell us things?

The Eclipse

The Eclipse madness brought a full feeding frenzy with millions traveling to the area where already more than 12 million people were living in the “totality path”. The commercialization and hype of the event went beyond belief: t-shirts, mugs posters, iPhone cases to say nothing of the windfall for hosted home stays (some Airbnb properties went for as much as $7,500 a night).

Thank God the excited Americans made their way to be near the joyous event of the moon’s total eclipse of the sun that darkened 14 states for two minutes.

In only a matter of days after this celestial wonder and celebration later Mother Nature brought us to our knees with the horror and devastation of the triple-whammy of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. We are humbled at the fury of the natural world and left helpless in its cruel wake. As much joy as there was in the joyful communion of spirit of the solar eclipse across this land, the coming together of kindness and charity of the human spirit in helping ones fellow man was, and continues to be, on full display from every region of the United States. Kindness begets kindness and life comes full circle in the circumstances of our lives.

Things to Ponder Category

Have you ever wondered why Finns love and are so in tune with nature? One answer is obvious: Finland is such a breathtakingly beautiful country. The other may be that during the cold, brutal and dark seasons when nature wreaks its fury, the individual bows down to the inevitable to show reverence and respect for the elements and learns to live honoring what he or she cannot control.

Finnish Happenings

A wonderful Midsummer celebration took place at Suomi Kerho this past summer: musical performances, a sing-along, makkara and accoutrements (and comedy) courtesy of Miska Kajanus. A joyous feeling of a circle bringing us back to childhood brought out the inner child in all of us. Well done, Suomi Kerho.

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-Decorated as Knight Order of the White Rose of Finland

On a personal note, a full cosmic circle with a joyous celebration – It was like yesterday… young girl untimely taken from extended family and beloved homeland, waiving what she thought was the final goodbye from the bow of a ship in Eteläsatama as her parents took her to life in a new land.

Full circle: a supreme honor bestowed by that beloved homeland in this special year, Finland’s 100th –Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland! For the little girl who never stopped loving Finland so much! So humbled and so honored….Thank you.

It is so interesting how after years go by something happens to complete the “circle”, “tie the bow”, cross the “t” or dot the “i” so things make sense or give closure to us mortals.

This is often peppered with what I call serendipity.

History cycles

My grandfather, injured and full of shrapnel from the war had been a life career military officer. He had been shot down from an observation tower by the enemy. Most of his time he had to spend on the front lines away from his wife and small children. He was always reticent to talk about his experiences as were, and still are many of the remaining Finnish war veterans. We all think about what our ancestors and family members went through in the most sisu-challenged times imaginable. To think of their PTSD (post-traumatic stress): no drugs, no therapy, just sisu,”suck it up” and move on, with memories, some too painful to deal with.

What a full circle gift on this Suomi 100th for our family’s future generations- like found historical treasure!

Recent full cosmic circle: A bundle of actual letters (kenttä-posti) from my Vaari at the war front unearthed in my late Aunt’s files ! Can’t wait to read, translate and share with readers who may be interested. What a full circle gift on this Suomi 100th for our family’s future generations- like found historical treasure!

7/29 or in the Finnish: 29.07

7/ 29 brings back the wonderful Finnish summer memory of celebrating my dear friend. Päivi Viren’s birthday. Päivi, a fantastic Finnish cook gave me the new edition of Keittotaito the seminal Finnish cookbook. I have the original 1948 version someone gave my Mother as a wedding gift. Though it never got used by her, the pages are yellowed and it looks like a wartime relic! On Päivi’s birthday by the Finnish lake, she showed me how to make muurilättyjä. (Great memory).

Lasse Virén

Speaking of full circle, Päivi and Lasse Viren were here for the 1984 Olympics. It has just been announced that the Olympics are coming to LA once again 2028 and we will look forward to hopefully having the Virens visit again. By the way, it is possible here in L.A. to make muurilättyjä on our own local Califonia barbeque grills (look for a feature in an upcoming edition of Around LA with Ava)

7/29 Helsinki 2017

During their recent visit (see the last Around LA with Ava column), Dr. Pertti Rintahaka and Diana Covius were encouraging, almost pleading that I come to Finland for their joint 120th birthday party. You may remember from an earlier Finntimes edition Pertti’s romantic proposal on the way to the Presidential palace on Independence Day. Their insistence seemed to have another level I was trying to sniff out. Obligations and issues kept me from attending their 7/29 event at the Kamp Hotel. They came “full circle: You guessed it: it turned out to be their surprise wedding! Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.

Former LA resident and Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Dr. Pertti Rintahaka with his lovely Diana, visited while in Southern California for a medical conference.

Another happy event7/29 in LA

A birthday celebration just few blocks down the street here in L.A., Virpi Sidler hosted a party for her Bill Russell’s big birthday. (Both are former Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board Officers-President and Treasurer) Many in our local community were in attendance including Tomi Hinkkanen, Jonny Kahleyn, and Mirja and Ernie Covarrubias.

Serendipity (sattumat)

Whether it is cosmic happenstance of just a fun coincidence (I vote for the former) it seems we are tied in with connections that just appear in our everyday lives. Just as an example speaking of our Helsinki newlyweds, I went to have something engraved on their wedding gift. As I love to hear people’s stories, the Swedish lady behind the engraver’s counter started telling me about her life. She told of memories working as a waitress long ago. As it turned out it was the very same restaurant owned by Anja and Eino Nurminen (The Nordic Inn) in the valley many decades ago. Just another one of these “it’s a small world sattumas”)

Another “sattuma” I just happened upon. One day glancing to see Finnish news I opened the Ilta Sanomat website only to see Olli Kivioja on the front page. His story was one of 100 the publication is featuring for the centennial. It shows him as an 18 year old being thrown into the reality of battle from day one. We who know him here in LA honor him for his service.

Olli Kivioja

Recently Olli sent information of the wonderful celebration of the Kivioja family clan at “Marskin Maja” Field Marshall Mannerheim’s Hunting Lodge that has been restored for celebrations and gatherings. The website provides an interesting historical description in English. Check it out and plan a visit next summer. http://www.marskinmaja.net/english/index.html.

There is no better time than now to open you heart and home to share the culinary delights of Finland with your friends. Maybe closer to Independence Day we can discuss Vorschmack, (Mannerheim’s favorite dish)

Dinner Time

Did you participate in the Global Happening called “Finnish Your Dinner”? People were encouraged to host dinner parties in honor of Finland’s Centennial. This simultaneous cosmic happening took place in cities around the world. I wish they would have called it Your Finnish Dinner instead. “Finnish Your Dinner “sounds like an order from stern parents signed on to the “clean plate club” style of parenting.

For decades I have enjoying hosting Finnish dinners for friends and family.

Hopefully you will keep this kind of tradition to share regarding your heritage. For decades I have enjoying hosting Finnish dinners for friends and family. A summer party outdoors with a nature theme and a bonfire- sometimes even a sing-along has been great for our Los Angeles climate long into autumn. (As I write this it is 95 degrees F at 3 p.m. ). A Finnish winter dinner with themes such as Fire and Ice, the King’s Road, Eastern and Western Finnish dishes as well as traditional favorites have been much enjoyed by newcomers to Finnish cuisine. (A cookbook is in the works)

In developing this I tried to incorporate as many as possible of the Finnish flavors of summer for all those longing for the long summer days around their isomummi’s coffee afternoon repast. The inspiration was the home-baked goodness and hand-picked deliciousness from her own garden, plus butter and milk from the neighbor’s dairy farm…. (Mrs. Hasala always used browned butter in her baked goods)

*One of the things that Finland shares with the world are these nutrient-rich berry superfoods that grow in the woods for all to pick and enjoy.

While fresh berries and rhubarb are a summer delight, this recipe incorporates preserves, frozen and even dried fruit which makes it a year round treat. This little taste of Finland is perfect to give your friends and family at a dinner party any time of year.

These little treats freeze well for unexpected company. Once defrosted, a sprinkling of powdered sugar “snow” is a nice touch.

For a “knock your socks off” presentation cut into rounds with a cookie cutter. Heat each plate in microwave until slightly warm. Place small ball of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle decoratively with cloudberry sauce from a squeeze bottle. (1/2 jar cloudberry preserves boiled with ¼ cup water. Let cool. Strain to remove seeds. Cool and refrigerate strained sauce until use.

I think we have covered every sweet Finnish berry, except the Mesimarja (brambleberry). If you can score it, a little Iittala shot glass on the side with mesimarja liquer will take you full circle!

As we experience fires, storms, hurricanes and even worse things that are out of our control as humans, finding goodness in ourselves and one another is important. Like we have witnessed in Texas and Florida, now Nevada and the giving spirit of those around us, let us be thankful. As small as we are in the cosmos and cycle of our lives, kindness counts.

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A children’s ditty goes: “Spring has sprung, The grass is riz, I wonder where the flowers is?”

The traditional logic is that there are no seasons in Southern California. It is generally nice all the time. For those who insist on defining our City of Angels as having seasons each year they love to repeat “May grey, then June Gloom” as the official weather report. Yes, while in certain years spring has been somewhat overcast and bland, that has not been the case in 2017.

We have had “hues” (of color) and “floral profusion like never before. If you live here you have noticed the intense displays of color everywhere or your seasonal enjoyment.

We have had “hues” (of color) and “floral profusion like never before. If you live here you have noticed the intense displays of color everywhere or your seasonal enjoyment.

Because of the vast amount of rain we had this season, the intensity in colors has been breathtaking. Like they say you have to take the good with the bad. The rain, wind, fallen trees mud, rockslides and damage, not to mention tightening fire department regulations, were a bit more extreme this year but Mother Nature’s color display brought shades of beauty not seen in drier years.

The normal May in the first week brings the periwinkle blossoms that appear as giant clouds on the Jacaranda trees.

The normal May in the first week brings the periwinkle blossoms that appear as giant clouds on the Jacaranda trees. You virtually do not see any leaves, only the stunning colored flowers against their brown crusty trunks. As the blossoms fade and fall to the ground they create billowy carpets against the street’s black asphalt almost inviting one to come and dance in the petals under their canopies. (The small blossoms look lovely sprinkled on a table setting, especially for those of us having a Finnish celebration. The Agapanthus (Lilies of the Nile) also bloom this time of year at the same time as if to say a quiet “me too” with their identical color. Theses long-stemmed beauties are spectacular arranged in a long glass vase, but their blossoms can also be sprinkled to decorate a pretty party table or serving platter. What is nice is that they hold out for the Fourth of July.

The Agapanthus (Lilies of the Nile) also bloom this time of year at the same time as if to say a quiet “me too” with their identical color.

The start of the summer here is always chock-full of special garden tours, design showcase homes and floral festivals, but this year is special for a couple of reasons.

The air has been clear, the sunshine here each day bringing spectacular lighting and the growth of nature especially flowers due to the overabundance of rainfall has blessed us with an amazing display of hues and colors with the spring blooms. It has been almost a Hollywood “technicolor” extravaganza of color in every neighborhood.

Bougainvillea all over town

We LA locals call them boogies (phonetically “buugies”)—not boagies. There was only one “Bogey” (Humphrey Bogart). Have you heard the song lyric; “We had it all, just like Bogey and Bacall”? It just would be the same with the name “Humphrey” !

They say you can’t kill a boogie-it grows like a weed, but unfortunately, my brown thumb has proven this adage wrong. The colors have been traffic- stopping this season causing some abrupt stops for photos Orange, purple fuchsia, red, white and striated all are calling attention. I am particularly happy with the pink specimen in the corner of the yard that is finally coming into its own to serve the purpose for which it was planted, not only to be spectacularly gorgeous but to serve as a fearless but strong Wonder Woman protector from bad elements trying to scale over fences. Those thorns are there for a reason! (A trip to the emergency room was required for a family member when one of the large spikes pierced a body part. Please note to wear a contractor’s helmet and gauntlet gloves to avoid any “Game of Thornes” gore.

Look around town; beautiful boogie blossoms are everywhere and they are around long-term! Various conservancies around LA have boasted of the “superblooms” for viewing in their venues. Would you believe even the keeper of the infamous “corpse flower” was promoting viewership after what has been a ten year hiatus of this foul smelling bloom. Go figure!

Tour de Pier Annual Event

May starts a time of parties, dance recitals and celebrations. A wonderful “raising money for cancer research” event called the Tour de Pier takes place each year. Dozens of stationary bikes set up in front of the Manhattan Beach pier are pedaled and money is raised for charity. It is a wonderful festival for a good cause. There is a Team Kory each year named for a young man I used to hold in my arms when he was a baby who succumbed to brain cancer a few years ago. This event makes goodness in the world from of his untimely death.

Mother’s Day and Birthdays

The birthstone for May is the emerald. No green jewelry needed for me—the delicious emerald green Thai crab soup followed by Hamachi crudo with avocado at a window seat at the Strand House restaurant with my eldest was good enough for my celebration!

A brunch at Spago preceded this on Mother’s Day with a multi-course feast/multi generation morning of wonderfulness. Veal tartar served in marrow bones as a starter…need I go on?

Finns in LA and Special Happenings

We Finns have a special hues of greens and blues happening this year to celebrate.

I hear the official word from Finland that “the birches are wearing mouse ears. No not the Mickey Mouse Disneyland kind (thought that is a funny visual) “Koivut on hiirenkorvella” is always a big announcement of spring as the first (tiny rodent ear shaped size specks of green) appear in the lovelies shade of green) Finns are so eager for signs of the end of winter that even during Easter, tiny pots of real grass are part of the promise of rebirth that signal hope of the long awaited spring and summer.

“Koivut on hiirenkorvella” is always a big announcement of spring as the first appear in the lovelies shade of green.

Drs. Perttii Rintahaka and fiancée Diana Covius make a “House Call”

Former LA resident and Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Dr. Pertti Rintahaka with his lovely Diana, visited while in Southern California for a medical conference.

Former LA resident and Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Dr. Pertti Rintahaka with his lovely Diana, visited while in Southern California for a medical conference. Not to let Finland with its Big Birthday this year take all of the spotlight, the two of them are celebrating the “120th” joint birthday with a big bash in Helsinki this summer. A visit to the beach and Fisherman’s Village in Marina Del Rey watching to boats come in was a fun excursion.

The next night Heidi Crooks, former Chief Nursing Officer for the UCLA Medical system was to join us for dinner. I served a “blue plate special” on the new dishes with a big blue flower I just had to have, for this year’s parties ready for Finland 100 get togethers. Sometimes one needs a pair of shoes, sometimes an outfit, but in this case something festive to dress a table this celebratory year, besides, the price was a steal!

.. I served a “blue plate special” on the new dishes with a big blue flower I just had to have, for this year’s parties ready for Finland 100 get togethers

LAFF-Los Angeles Chapter of Finland Foundation

The L.A.F.F. meeting featured the Pasadena Sister Cities Program. The organization has several sister cities around the world including Järvenpää, Finland, the home of Jean Sibelius. Angie Gomez gave background on the organization’s work, and told of their group trip to Finland on this Centennial summer. We had a chance to meet a young lady going to Finland as part of the exchange program. The next time I went to the Paloheimo Mansion to catch up with LAFF, there was an artist on his knees rendering a huge portrait on the cement in front of the steps that looked like a huge comic book version of Wonder Woman (and no, no, I don’t think it was a portrait of Eva Feynes Paloheimo ! There was a local festival going on, not a regular LAFF meeting though Ellen Harju was there dedicated as she is, giving tours of the Tupa.

The Finnish church – Santa Monica, California

Coincidentally in 2017 the Los Angeles Finnish church also has its 100th birthday centennial this year. The May service It was quite the celebration with congregants in Finnish attire and National Costumes, a majestic processional of the choir, ministers including Bishop Guy Irwin. A bounty of delicious cookies, pulla, homemade donuts, and cakes made it a true “groaning board” as they say here in the U.S. My contribution was the voileipäkakku. I should have skipped that second cup of coffee in the morning; my hands were shaking trying to form the zeroes in the “100” decoration made from little fresh peas on top of the cake!

Another Special Milestone

The same day the Finnish Church in LA celebrated its 100th, Jonny Kahleyn Dieb fans celebrated his birthday. Jonny, who recently confirmed his percentage of Finnish ancestry through a DNA search, was celebrated by friends from near and far. We all already knew he must be Finnish by his creativity, work ethic, humility and modesty.

Jonny Kahleyn Dieb

Jonny’s background has included information technology at UCLA Transplantation Services, and now, Occupational Health in addition to his film production, and photography. Above all….. (I am so excited as writer of this column, to actually use the longest palindrome I know in either Finnish or English; Here it is He is a saippuakauppias!! He is a soap seller. He is actually the entrepreneur behind the La Vie en C Brand you see advertised in the finntimes pages. Congrats to a true Renaissance Man!

A Marriage Milestone for Erkki andI llona Kanto (40 years)

Shades of grey (smoke that is) along the way from LA

Erkki and Ilona invited me to their party. Inspired by the colorful flowerbeds on the Sunset Strip median, I made mousse-filled flower cups to bring to the party. Heading north on the 405 a glance in the rear view mirror was cause for alarm. Smoke was rising rapidly from where I had just left my neighborhood as I ascended into the Santa Monica Mountains. Turning on the traffic news, that comes on every six minutes, confirmed that indeed it was what would turn into a large fire. All the rain that brought beautiful flowers to us also brought dangerous amount of flammable vegetation. a fire. It was like déjà vu all over again. There was no choice but to head back home. The last time this happened I could not get home to my family which then included my bedbound mother (described in a previous Finntimes column). Fortunately the fire department did a good job and were able to isolate the fire to the west Side of the 405 freeway. It turned out to be over 30 acres!

Ilona and Erkki were kind enough to invite me for a visit the next day. I had their company all to myself and we had a delightful time. They still seem like newlyweds and were planning their summer which will include time in Finland and Pakistan. Ilona loves to cook and had made gluten-free mämmi for dessert. Now truth be told mämmi is not the prettiest of desserts (in fact it’s pretty much the end of the scale on visual) but it was quite delicious.

Things to Ponder Category,

There are so many birthdays in May and June, including a three week period on my calendar with each day marked. My theory is that in counting back nine months, people (especially Finns) have been inspired and motivated at the end of the summer, to as my dear and funny late father would say, people decide to make new people!

Finnish Ladies Night

Speaking of birthdays, Heidi Crooks got a Finnish serenade from the Finnish Ladies group. We were meeting the group gathered at the bar at Pancho’s in Manhattan Beach. Unbeknownst to most the others the bar was packed to the gills because of the NBA finals. Manhattan Beach is extremely sports-oriented as many Sports celebrities live in the area.

Panchos

If you go to Pancho’s, make a left, take a step up and look to the right: there is photo on the wall in the bar on the north side of a couple fishing. (The family owns the restaurant)Talk about Wonder Woman—the woman in the photo (my dear friend) caught that fish!!! It is bigger than she is! It would be fun to see how she does with her skills on a Finnish lake.

Pancho’s is really one of the prettiest restaurants in this area. Each step you take down the stairs is like descending into a secret lush green garden of a private Mexican Hacienda with twinkly lights and aromas of the special night to come. For decades it has been a destination spot for celebrations… We certainly got the attention of the place when 30 of us began singing. It was a fun festive Finnish night and what a joy to meet such great and accomplished women.

Downtown Hues

On the theme of explosions of color and overgrown things, the Wilshire Grand, the tallest building now west of the Mississippi River, has just opened. It will be featuring enormous (most likely fender-bender inducing, driver-distracting lighting displays. Remember when the construction was going on and this column described the largest construction concrete pour celebrated by a parade by the USC band? More to follow in the next ALAWA column.

Wilshire Grand

Hues and Blues

Ah yes! Finland.

As we move into the Suomi Summer let us move to hues of greens and blues. Think of the lovely blue/green jigsaw puzzle you see below, the lakes and the forests, welcoming you upon landing over Finland as seen from your airplane seat, truly natural beauty of the planet’s most incredible. How is it for you upon landing? Does a tear well in your eyes as your inner voice starts to sing Maamme Laulu? Does your mind think about how soon you can get to that lake you love that is calling you, ready to sit and take in the in the beauty of silence, to float in a rowboat, to eat blueberries?

Does a tear well in your eyes as your inner voice starts to sing Maamme Laulu?

We all are dreaming of the colors and hues of a Finnish lake even if we may not have that experience this year.

But since it is Finland’s 100th….. Making this will make you think you are on the edge of a Finnish lake in a little (white rose petal boat) soutuvene in our homeland’s aquamarine waters. Pretend you are the blueberry (after more than one of these, it will be your virtual reality)

This is LA and cocktails are created by mixologists (what they used to call bartenders) like chef’s specialties. And especially for huge things, like perhaps a 100th birthday????

The Suomi Centennial Sip

2 ounces blue Hypnotiq liqueur

2 ounces Pear Vodka

White sanding or pulla sugar for frosting the rim

Garnish: white rose or tulip petal “boat”, blueberry

Wet rim of glass and dip into sugar. (May be done ahead; may take two coats) Put ice cubes in cocktail shaker with the alcohols. Shake and pour into a blue or white martini glass. Garnish with your little rowboat petal and blueberry passenger!

Note: You can make this a nonalcoholic “mocktail” by substituting a blue juice or sports drink.

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It’s here! Welcome to 2017, Finland’s 100th year of Independence. The collective excitement is palatable and unbounding as this year opens and we begin celebrating, learning and remembering.

Finland Centennial “101”

While this column usually focuses on quirky and sometime irreverent everyday life in Southern California, let us now also focus on making this year one of revering and honoring Finland in its 100 year glory.

Many in the Finnish community, including Sirpa and Teemu Selänne, are on board to honor and show our local remaining Veterans and Lottas how much we appreciate them.

One example of Finnish greatness here locally I would like to introduce you to through some photos is Lotta Elma Maisack. Elma, along with the amazing Sirkka Toth are the Lottas here who are still with us. Mark Salo and Veikko Kautiainen are among the Veterans we cherish.

It is appropriate that we celebrate Elma. Coincidentally, she shares a birthday with Finland: December 6th! You can imagine her level of Finnish pride!

Elma’s son Gary is often see wearing a T-shirt that reads “Finnish Air Force” as he attends events with his mother. Imagine yourself living Elma’s life as you view this photo montage and consider how a young woman faced what she did as a proud Finn “back in the day”.

Elma and her son Gary

With the current innovations and the heights of human achievement in so many fields, we are so impressed by Finland. But, let us remember Finnish independence is grounded in the dedication, determination and sacrifices of our Veterans and Lottas like Elma, who, during their youth gave to their homeland, where our greatness was born and still resides. Never forget.

The Circle of Life

Looking back to where Finnish Independence started and viewing circumstances to the present day is now timely. We are now closing the circle of 100 years from Finnish Independence and are many degrees and miles around the globe from our homeland here in our city of Angels. Perhaps it will bring perspective and insight. Though Finns of the younger generations may now say we don’t look in the rearview mirror; if ever there was a time to do so, this, the 100th year would be a good one for recollection.

Though Finns of the younger generations may now say we don’t look in the rearview mirror; if ever there was a time to do so, this, the 100th year would be a good one for recollection.

Goings On

The whirlwind of activities in the Finnish American community brought joy to young and old in December. From the Suomi Koulu fundraiser, Suomi Kerho Christmas party, LAFF Pikku Joulu and FACC gathering we all enjoyed our holiday Finnishness. At home this year after an epic Finnish prune tart and cookie baking session and dinner with the Haavisto family, Finnish Joulu pukki must have known about all the Finnish children in the house. He decided to actually stop in for a visit. Katja, Tapani and Rony joining our family made for a joyous Christmas Eve for us all.

…Finnish Joulu pukki must have known about all the Finnish children in the house. He decided to actually stop in for a visit. Katja, Tapani and Rony joining our family made for a joyous Christmas Eve for us all.

All eyes on Planet Earth seem to tune in on our fair city and the beautiful Rose Parade over New Year’s. People camping on the sidewalks, bleachers at the ready since Thanksgiving, Christmas friends and family living the dream here in sunny Southern California our city felt like the center of the universe for its shining moment.

The Rose Parade was particularly fun to watch as my dear friend Mona (whose daughter in law is of Finnish heritage) and her family were honored guests riding in a rose covered carriage!

The Rose Parade was particularly fun to watch as my dear friend Mona (whose daughter in law is of Finnish heritage) and her family were honored guests riding in a rose covered carriage!

Driving Around LA recently

Driving North on La Cienega from the 10, the Hollywood Hills were shining bright with the sun’s reflection ahead. I had just left the hospital relieved that my sweetie’s surgery had gone well. At that very moment it seemed many things within blocks of my drive were happening. To my left Debbie Reynolds had just been taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital with a stroke. Straight ahead on Hollywood Blvd. a makeshift memorial was burgeoning on the sidewalks on the Walk of Fame for Star Wars’ “Princess Leia”, Debbie Reynold’s daughter, the actress Carrie Fisher who had just passed away. To my right, passing Lawry’s restaurant there was a gaggle of news vans with satellite antennas and hordes of autograph seekers for some event. Serious life and death issues all around but what was that going on at Lawry’s? Oh yes, it was that annual crazy LA tradition called “The Beef Bowl”. Just another quirky LA happening, this vegan-averse carnivorous carnival features the team members that are competing against each other at the upcoming Rose Bowl football game on New Year’s ‘eating unspeakably huge amounts of prime rib roast at Lawry’s, the restaurant that has been famous for this dish for decades since the 1970’s.

What was that going on at Lawry’s? Oh yes, it was that annual crazy LA tradition called “The Beef Bowl”.

This brought to mind an old high school classmate. There were three of us admitted to Berkeley that year; one was anointed (maybe it happened here at Lawry’s) with the nickname “Baby Beef”. This football player, whose real name is Loren, ended up playing for the Pittsburg Steelers and has at least one Super Bowl victory ring, if not more.

News vans, mini-skirted cheerleaders, paparazzi, the Trojan Band, and autograph seeking sports fans were all on hand for this testosterone fueled beef bacchanal, while most civilized westsiders were having a light spot of tea with chamber music playing in the background in one of our lovely hotels at this hour of the afternoon.

Broken Heart syndrome

While no one has announced an official cause of death for the mother/daughter duo, it is believed that Debbie Reynolds’ demise was caused from the Broken Heart, medically known as stress induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome, a condition that can strike even those in good health with no previous heart conditions.

The emotion of losing a loved one can trigger this medical condition, one that affects women more than men and can even be fatal. I was thinking of this while driving by Cedars Sinai Hospital where, in a matter of hours, Debbie Reynolds would succumb and join her daughter in death.

This sad Broken Heart scenario had just played out in my own family where my dear aunt Pirkko, recently lost her husband and within a couple of weeks, declined in health herself as she was missing her beloved husband. You often hear about people in long term relationships where the surviving partner follows in death in less than 6 months.

Having felt the pain of a broken heart must not have been new to Debbie Reynolds. Years ago she lost her husband to another woman whe when he left her for Elizabeth Taylor in an epic Hollywood story. Many were not aware that Debbie and Eddie Fishers’ offspring, Carrie, would end up as everyone’s heroine, Princess Leia, in the Star Wars saga years later.

Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds.

The pain of loss, stress and heart- related problems has been a part of Finnish heritage for many families, through evacuations out of Karelia, the loss of the fallen who fought for independence, and other sacrifices made. The rewards are of peace, love of friends and family, devotion and honor. When we have those things and feel the epitome of joy it is time for our souls to rejoice As Finns, the proud times in our personal as well as collective lives with the everyday gifts we have been given engender reflection and reverence. Perhaps that is why Finns revere their silence.

You have heard of long term couples who are so close “they finish each other’s sentences”. Then there are those who are so symbiotic, so telepathic and so connected to each other that words are not even needed between them to communicate. (Yes, it does happen)

Karjala (Karelia)

Did you hear that Norway had considered giving Finland a mountain for a 100th birthday present last summer? Halti Mountain sitting on the border with its peak on the Norwegian side was part of a proposal of moving the country’s border about (130 feet). What a sweet kind and neighborly thought that was of the Norwegians.

Halti Mountain

Gift to Finland suggestion

For all whose families came from Karelia, who fled on evacuation wagons from their land…A nice gesture in honor the Finland’s 100th from the eastern neighbor: how about a little payback border adjustment? What an awesome show of goodwill that would be in this political climate. Then there is the issue of that missing Super Bowl championship ring President of the Patriots, Jonathan Kraft never got back… Let us call it a draw.

Karjalanpaisti

This much loved iconic Finnish dish is a must for anyone’s culinary repertoire as we start Finland’s centennial. Like Finland itself it is simplistic beauty and perfection even for a novice cook.

Paisti means roast and Karjalan means of Karjala. It is actually a layering of assorted cut pieces of various meats with Finnish spices (peppercorns and allspice) covered in water or broth left to cook covered in an iron pot in a slow oven for many hours.

In Finland, the residual heat from baking ovens was the source for many wonderful dishes including jälkiuunileipä(“after oven bread”) and Karjalan paisti. Many casserole dishes that benefited from the long warmth that not only warmed Finnish homes but brought delicious life to the stars of Finnish cuisine that live on. In Finland nothing was wasted not even the waning heat of the hearth or oven.

People talk about “love” being an ingredient for a cook as he or she prepares a meal for someone. There are some dishes, Karjalanpaisti being one, which we make because of the love and connection we want to experience and share about Finland. There is a joy in the ceremony of taking down the Finnish Timo Sarpaneva iron pot, bringing out my favorite knives with handles made of birches from Karelia to trim the meat, the layering of spices and meat all the while thinking of Finland and its history while making it.

Ingredients:

4-5 lbs beef, pork or lamb, cubed.

Whole peppercorns 10-20 or so

Ground allspice

Salt

Layer meats with spices and salt between in a Timo Sarpaneva or other enameled iron pot. Add about 1 C water or beef broth down side of the pot. Put on lid. Bake 3 to 3 ½ hours at 300 degrees F. Do not stir. The topmost morsels should have a slight “crust” peeking through.

The topmost morsels should have a slight “crust” peeking through.

Serve over mashed potatoes with the broth. Garnish or serve with a side of dill pickles and beets. Lingonberry sauce is a nice accompaniment.

TO HAVE LOVED SO AND TO HAVE BEEN SO LOVED IS A GIFT FROM GOD.

It is Friday afternoon again in LA traffic heading up La Cienega with the Hollywood (now defaced to read “Hollyweed”) sign in view just like earlier, leaving after a visit with my loved one in the hospital. I am making “the rounds” going in the LA Friday circle of traffic again. A quick stop at the post office for mail.

Usually there is a big stack of mail; today there is only one envelope. Arriving home there is voicemail relaying the awful sad news from the hospital of the passing of my beloved. I opened the envelope I had picked up; it was addressed to him. It was from the hospital, a “customer satisfaction survey letter” asking him what he thought of the latest experience he had just had there! Talk about “things to ponder” This could almost be funny if it was not so sad.

Life can be so cruel sometimes, but then again this is the circle of life we all experience.